Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) today announced an amendment to the 2006 budget to include $100,000 in additional funding for the Nassau County SPCA for a variety of programs, including education and the investigation of animal cruelty complaints. The amendment was also supported by her Majority colleagues, including Legislator Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) who proposed the amendment.

“It is our duty as compassionate and caring human beings to protect defenseless animals and to make sure that anyone who mistreats them are prosecuted to the full extent of the laws,” said Legislator Yatauro. “This additional funding for the SPCA will go a long way in reaching these goals.”

The Nassau County SPCA was organized in 1973 and was originally called The League for Animal Protection, Inc. A not-for profit corporation organized to protect the animals of Nassau County from neglect and abuse and to provide for animal welfare, the SPCA is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Its operations have historically been funded through corporate grants and contributions solicited from the public.

Gail Sanger, temporary receiver of the SPCA, said, "We at the SPCA are incredibly grateful to the Majority Legislators for recognizing the significance of helping our organization to respond to animal cruelty complaints and to speak for the welfare of animals. Our ability to respond is of such importance to the people and animals of Nassau County. Our Majority Legislators’ leadership role will make a real difference to abused animals every single day and will save animal lives. Sadly, the work is never done, and we will be asking those people who care about the welfare of animals to add their dollars to those supplied by the County to enable us to help as many animals as possible."

The SPCA is the only organization in Nassau County, other than the police department, authorized to enforce NYS animal cruelty laws. The organization has peace officers who go after people who are abusing/mistreating their animals, respond to calls regarding animal cruelty and neglect, investigate the circumstances and attempt to resolve the situation in the best interests of the animals involved.

Anyone who wishes to help animals can volunteer to help the SPCA or make a contribution. Visit the SPCA website at: www.nassauspca.com